A federal jury in Brooklyn convicted three men on Thursday for their involvement in a fatal shooting during an armed robbery at an illegal gambling operation in the Brownsville area of Brooklyn.
Brian Castro, 24, and Musah Coward, 33, both from Paterson, New Jersey, alongside Charles Powell, 26, from Newark, New Jersey, were found guilty on several charges. These included the firearm-related murder of Rodney Maxwell, discharging a firearm during a violent crime, and Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy. Powell was also convicted of being a felon in possession of ammunition.
The charges stem from the October 7, 2020, robbery at a gambling location on Hegeman Avenue. According to prosecutors, the three men traveled from New Jersey to Brooklyn to commit the robbery. Coward drove the group, while Powell and Castro entered the gambling den, with Coward remaining outside. During the robbery, Maxwell, who was providing security, was shot twice—once in the back by Castro with a 9mm pistol, and once in the chest by Powell with a .380 caliber pistol. Maxwell later succumbed to his injuries.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that Powell also fired shots into a fleeing crowd, injuring three individuals who survived. Castro later confessed to the robbery and the murder during a conversation with an FBI confidential informant. In the recorded exchange, Castro recounted the robbery, the killing, and even mocked Maxwell’s final moments.
Powell, who had a previous felony conviction for weapons possession, was found guilty of possessing ammunition linked to the shooting.
“The verdict ensures justice is served for the victims of this senseless and brutal crime,” said John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “These men murdered Rodney Maxwell in cold blood, and their actions put even more lives in danger through reckless gunfire aimed at fleeing bystanders.”
Durham also praised the efforts of law enforcement and the jury for ensuring the defendants were held accountable.
The three-week trial was overseen by U.S. District Judge Eric R. Komitee. When sentenced, each defendant faces a possible life sentence, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison.
